Reports of students swearing at teachers and throwing objects during class are becoming increasingly common, a sign that some students have become disrespectful, believing their rights allow them to act without consequence.
This concern was raised by the General Secretary of the Fijian Teachers Association Paula Manumanunitoga today while addressing the deteriorating discipline in schools.
Manumanunitoga says the current education system has created a slack environment, which FTA believes is one of the key contributors to the rise in poor student behaviour and students are abusing their rights, and teachers have little power to correct them effectively.
He says they are calling for corrective behavioural measures because corporal punishment is a term that was used for centuries when judges in court would dish out penalties for murder, rape and so on and they'd be sent to jail and be given how many strokes of that corporal punishment.
Manumanunitoga confirms that the FTA has made formal submissions during the ongoing Review of the Education Act of 1966, asking the government to consider reintroducing corporal punishment in schools.
He stresses that the aim is not to instill fear but to restore respect and discipline, ensuring that teachers can teach and students can learn in a safe and structured environment.
@fijivillage.com Manumanunitoga says students have become disrespectful, believing their rights allow them to act without consequence #fiji #fyp ♬ original sound - fijivillage
